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Lumen CTO Exits in AI Shakeup; Ward Joins Salesforce

Don't Miss This Major Lumen Technologies Leadership Overhaul: CTO Dave Ward Out, Jim Fowler In to Lead Critical AI Network Growth - Is Their Strategy at Risk?
The Leadership Shakeup That Will Define Lumen's AI Race.
  • Major Leadership Change: Jim Fowler is the new Chief Technology & Product Officer at Lumen, taking over as the company doubles down on its AI network strategy.
  • High-Profile Departure: Outgoing CTO Dave Ward is leaving for a prominent role at Salesforce as President and Chief Architect, marking a significant transition.
  • Veteran Experience: Fowler brings over 25 years of tech leadership from giants like Nationwide Insurance, General Electric, and AT&T to execute Lumen's vision.
  • Strategy Unchanged: Despite the executive shuffle, Lumen affirms its AI-focused technology roadmap and growth priorities remain firmly on track ahead of its February 2026 Investor Day.

Lumen Signals Bold AI Push with New CTO Appointment

In a significant leadership overhaul, Lumen Technologies has appointed Jim Fowler as its new Executive Vice President and Chief Technology & Product Officer. The move comes as the outgoing CTO, Dave Ward, departs to join Salesforce as President and Chief Architect. This transition underscores Lumen's aggressive push to solidify its position as the premier network infrastructure provider for the demanding world of enterprise artificial intelligence.

A Proven Leader for a New Era

Jim Fowler, 54, is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience in modernizing critical technology infrastructure. His impressive resume includes serving as Executive Vice President and CTO at Nationwide Insurance, where he spearheaded core technology modernization and scaled intelligent automation. Prior to that, Fowler spent nearly two decades in senior technology roles at General Electric, including Global Chief Information Officer. His career began at AT&T in 1993.

Fowler is no stranger to Lumen's strategy, having served on its Board of Directors since 2023. This insider perspective allowed him to help shape the company’s transformation before stepping into an executive role.

“Lumen has a unique opportunity to strengthen its position as the trusted network for AI,” Fowler stated. “I’ve seen firsthand as a board member and a customer the work this team has done to design a next-generation roadmap for the network and products.”

Executing the Vision Amid Transition

Lumen CEO Kate Johnson emphasized that Fowler's appointment is about execution. She noted that his expertise is perfectly suited to realize the value from the foundational work established by Ward and to drive revenue growth. Johnson thanked Ward for his service, stating his contributions will influence Lumen’s trajectory for years to come.

Transition and Future Roadmap

The transition is structured to ensure continuity. Fowler’s appointment is effective January 5, 2026, while Dave Ward will remain with the company through January 23, 2026, to support a smooth handover.

Lumen has assured stakeholders that this leadership change will not alter its previously announced technology roadmap. The company remains focused on its multi-billion-dollar network expansion designed to meet the surging demand for high-performance AI connectivity. All eyes will be on Lumen's upcoming Investor Day on February 25, 2026, where the company is expected to unveil further details of its technology and product strategy in New York.

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